Review: Arizona Broadway Theatre Upholds Tradition With A Pitch-Perfect FIDDLER ON THE ROOF

Fifty-two years since FIDDLER ON THE ROOF opened at the Imperial Theatre on Broadway, and it has lost none of its relevance, appeal, and command over audience affection. Its story of Tevye and his daughters, the dairyman's struggle to hold on to tradition in the volatile and hostile environs of Czarist Russia circa 1905, and the pain of imminent forced relocation from Anatevka, the shtetl that for the time being has been their beloved home, is the stuff of musical legends.

Arizona Broadway Theatre has honored the legend by mounting an utterly captivating and inspired production, featuring Jason E. Simon's virtuoso turn and beautifully nuanced performance as Tevye. Simon's Tevye is an unvarnished Everyman, bewildered by one challenge after another to his (and God's) dictates and to tradition, yet overcome by reason and kindness to accommodate all but one of his daughters' appeals. He enriches the role with range and depth, wit and passion, calibrating his rich operatic voice to the situation, tender when needed, robust and muscular when required.

While the show is Simon-centric, it's not his gravitational pull alone that makes this FIDDLER such an irresistible and engaging production. He is accompanied by an energetic and versatile ensemble.Douglas Clarke's set evokes the Spartan life style of shtetl life. The orchestra, led by Josh D. Smith, is expressive and vibrant, never overpowering but always complementing the vocalists. Kurtis Overby's choreography captures the culture and is punctuated by the incredibly athletic performances of Stephen Hohendorf, Layne Kunce, and Jonny Rouse as the bottle dancers.

All told, M. Seth Reines has directed a powerhouse of a show, giving meticulous attention to every detail and delivering a memorable theatrical experience.

FIDDLER ON THE ROOF continues its run at Arizona Broadway Theatre through April 3rd.

Photo credit to Arizona Broadway Theatre